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Three Cheese Broccoli Bites Recipe

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4.4 from 7 reviews

These Three Cheese Broccoli Bites are a deliciously crunchy and cheesy appetizer made from a blend of mashed red potatoes, steamed broccoli, and three types of cheese. Coated with panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection, they offer a savory snack that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside—perfect as an anytime appetizer or party snack.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 20 balls

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 lbs (900g) red potato, peeled and cut into even sized chunks
  • 1 lb (450g) fresh broccoli, chopped into florets

Cheeses

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ cup Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Other Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil spray

Instructions

  1. Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked red potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a medium heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender by testing with a fork. Drain and transfer the potatoes to a cold water bath for 3-4 minutes, changing the water once or twice. Then, mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth and lump-free.
  2. Steam Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and steam the broccoli florets for about 10 minutes until tender. Immediately place broccoli in a cold water bath for 1 minute to stop the cooking process and preserve color.
  3. Prepare Mixture: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, eggs, grated cheddar, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. Arrange these on baking paper placed on a flat surface.
  5. Coat with Panko: Spread the Panko breadcrumbs on a flat plate. Roll each potato ball in the Panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly, then place them back on the parchment-lined tray.
  6. Air Fry: Lightly spray the coated balls with cooking oil spray. Place them in a single layer in the preheated air fryer, and cook for 7-9 minutes until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.

Notes

  • Ensure potatoes are mashed very smoothly to help the balls hold together better.
  • Cooling the broccoli quickly after steaming helps retain a vibrant green color and prevents overcooking.
  • You can substitute the cheeses based on preference, but using a combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella provides a great balance of flavor and meltiness.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model—check for a crisp golden outside as the sign of readiness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs and Panko with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Anytime